That's what hurts the environmental movement - holding people to a standard they cannot meet. That just pushes people away.

In this quote, Laurie David, an environmental activist and producer, critiques a common approach within the environmental movement—the idea of imposing overly high standards on individuals. She argues that setting expectations that people cannot realistically meet often leads to frustration and alienation, which ultimately harms the movement. By placing demands that feel unattainable, the environmental cause risks pushing people away, rather than encouraging them to participate in the collective effort to address climate change and sustainability.

David's statement suggests that the environmental movement should focus on inclusion and practicality, encouraging people to take incremental steps toward positive change, rather than holding them to impossibly high standards. She believes that a more welcoming and accessible approach would have a greater impact in encouraging widespread involvement, as people would feel motivated and empowered rather than disheartened by an unrealistic ideal.

This sentiment aligns with David's broader work in environmental advocacy, where she has been vocal about making environmentalism more accessible and less judgmental. Rather than focusing solely on individual responsibility, she advocates for systemic changes while also encouraging personal action that feels achievable for people of all backgrounds. By meeting people where they are, David believes the environmental movement can foster long-term engagement.

Ultimately, David's quote serves as a call to reconsider the tactics and messaging used within the environmental movement. She urges a shift toward creating a more inclusive, compassionate approach that can inspire action without overwhelming individuals, recognizing that collective change is built upon the contributions of many, no matter how small they may seem.